Getting your teeth and bite corrected has benefits beyond your appearance. A straight smile is easier to clean, reduces the risk of jaw disorders such as TMJ, and can even decrease your chances for teeth grinding.
Today, teens and adults alike want orthodontic options that don’t advertise the fact that they’re getting their smile straightened. Invisalign has been a popular alternative to metal braces that provides patients with a very discreet, effective way to get the smile they’ve always wanted.
Here are five fast facts about Invisalign treatment you might be interested to know!
1. Many Patients Find Invisalign to Be More Comfortable
Traditional braces have metal wires and brackets, which can cause the gum tissue to be somewhat irritated as the mouth goes through an adjustment period. Invisalign is made out of a special kind of plastic which patients typically find is less irritating. In fact, research shows that most patients who opt for Invisalign experience less pain than those with fixed orthodontic appliances [1].
2. Invisalign Has No Food Restrictions
Another thing patients love about Invisalign is that it carries no food restrictions. With non-removable appliances such as braces, some foods may become difficult or impossible for patients to eat while receiving treatment.
With Invisalign, you take the clear aligner trays out when you eat, which means you can enjoy all the foods you used to before receiving orthodontic treatment without worry or discomfort!
3. You Won’t Have Trouble Cleaning Your Teeth
One challenge concerning metal braces is cleaning around the wires and brackets to ensure that teeth are free of plaque. Often, this requires the adoption of special devices such as water flossers or interdental cleaners during treatment.
Invisalign is removed when you clean your teeth, meaning there’s nothing standing between you and a sparkling smile! Many patients show improved gum health and a better overall treatment experience with Invisalign as opposed to braces [2].
4. Invisalign Can Treat Most Orthodontic Cases
The majority of patients will have the option to pursue treatment with Invisalign. Invisalign can treat most irregular bites as well as crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth. There are some complex cases where Invisalign may not be as effective as other types of orthodontic treatment, in which case your orthodontist can let you know the best treatment options for your unique smile.
5. You Have to Wear Invisalign for a Minimum of 20 Hours Daily
Invisalign typically needs to be worn for a minimum of 20-22 hours every day [3]. Ideally, you should only remove the aligners when eating or cleaning your teeth, but you can also remove them during sports to wear a mouthguard.
Your trays will be swapped out for new trays at home every two to three weeks as your teeth move into their proper positions. Invisalign also means fewer visits to the orthodontist—about every six weeks, depending on your treatment.
Considering Invisalign?
Alternative orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign make getting straight teeth easier than you think! With fewer visits to your orthodontist and no food restrictions, isn’t it time you considered Invisalign to correct your smile? Schedule a visit with your orthodontist to learn more about your candidacy for Invisalign!
Sources:
1. https://dental.ufl.edu/files/2011/12/Invisalign-fixed-appliance-therapy-comparison.pdf
2. https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12903-015-0060-4
3. https://www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works/living-with-invisalign
